Your Local Guide to the 10 Best Neighborhoods in Malaysia Where You Can Start Your New Chapter!
It isn’t surprising that many people dream of relocating to Malaysia. It has vibrant cities, nature getaways, a bustling food scene, friendly locals, and a generally low cost of living compared to other major cities.
But if you’re planning to live in Malaysia, whether you’re a local or an expat, you must know where to stay because not all places are the same. Some have a fast-paced lifestyle while others are more laid-back.
We did the research, spoke to a whole lot of people, visited many places ourselves, and surveyed our own residential areas. Here are our top neighborhoods in Malaysia, including cultural hubs, urban centres, suburban spots, and expat-friendly destinations!
Kuala Lumpur
Bangsar
Media credit: bangsarsouth
Best For: Families and couples looking for suburban living with urban lifestyle opportunities.
Location
There’s a reason why Bangsar is one of the best neighborhoods in Malaysia: it offers an urban lifestyle with a touch of suburban life. The vibrant food culture, lively nightlife, and closeness to international schools make it attractive for modern couples and families.
It’s trendy and convenient with plenty of shopping opportunities. Its close proximity to KLCC brings you to all the Kuala Lumpur happenings, perfect for expats and young couples who want to stay connected to the metropolitan lifestyle.
Bangsar Village, a shopping mall, is a popular hangout spot for locals and expats. Why? You’ll find a good variety of local and international shops.
This is an affluent neighbourhood offering landed properties and condominiums. So expect housing prices to reflect that.
Pro Tip:
Bangsar is a mature area, but still has sections where properties are being developed, so it’s important to know whether newly built or old accommodations fit your budget. Check several properties to see which is more desirable based on your price range.
Mont Kiara
Media credit: dhrubo40
Best For: Individuals and families searching for a walkable neighborhood; foreigners who want to be closer to the expat community
Mont Kiara is an affluent suburb in Malaysia, where a large number of the expatriate community lives. If you’re looking to enroll your child in an international school, there’s a cluster of choices here, making it ideal for families.
It’s located close to the city centre, which has its perks but also has bad traffic (it’s safe to say it’s a nightmare) because it’s fairly congested, given it’s rich in infrastructure, particularly high-rise towers.
Since it’s congested and fairly populated, it can feel crowded most of the time. The perk? It’s loaded with entertainment, including diverse dining options and retail shops.
It’s mainly ideal for locals and expats who work in the neighborhood (or somewhere close) due to its walkability. It’s more upscale, too, so many residents are high-income.
Pro Tip:
Ditch the vehicle, if you can. This Malaysian neighborhood is pedestrian-friendly, and you can get to malls or other places without taking the MRT.
Taman Tun Dr Ismail (TTDI)
Media credit: edwardpatricktan
Best For: Families, couples, and individuals searching for a blend of modern and traditional living
Location
Taman Tun Dr Ismail, otherwise known as TTDI, is the perfect township in Malaysia for locals and expats who prefer a slower pace of life. It’s not too suburban, actually, as it still boasts a good mix of shops and restaurants.
The community sites are one of the highlights here, as the neighborhood provides green spaces, local coffee shops, exciting culinary joints, and lots of retail spots. And since it’s set on the border of KL and Selangor, you can quickly access other areas via the MRT.
You’ll find landed properties the most, but condominiums are establishing their presence. Expect a blend of modern lifestyle with a traditional appeal in this affluent neighborhood.
How does living fare here? Mostly quiet, away from the hustle and bustle of the city centre. Don’t get us wrong, it’s still vibrant, but it’s definitely more peaceful than other neighbourhoods.
Pro Tip:
Landed properties in TTDI are tough to come by because most have been passed down instead of new structures. So if you’re planning to purchase, don’t go house hunting at the last minute!
KLCC
Media credit: aereonwong
Best For: Expats and young professionals looking to stay in the middle of the city and have access to modern comforts
We have to warn you: KLCC isn’t going to be cheap. It has a high cost of living due to its location.
So, why is a pricey neighborhood here? It has everything you need, and by that, we mean every single thing. It serves up the ultimate city lifestyle, since you’re super close to entertainment, leisure activities, dining places, and public transport.
It’s not for everyone, though. It gets busy at KLCC, which isn’t ideal if you’re searching for a quiet place to live, but it’s perfect if you prefer access to urban living and being close to the expat community.
It’s also very walkable, and you can get from one place to another quickly. The MRT is there, shopping options are endless, and trendy spots pop up everywhere.
Pro Tip:
Know your budget if you’re looking for a property, because housing here will be expensive.
Penang
George Town
Media credit: georgetownpenang
Best For: Families, couples, and individuals searching for a historic neighbourhood on a tropical island
Location
One of the hottest neighbourhoods to live in Penang is its capital city, George Town. This tropical paradise, also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a multicultural hub, given that it’s a popular destination for foreigners and has a rooted expat community.
The mix of traditional and modern structures gives this place a unique character. Of course, being a tropical getaway makes living here feel like you’re on vacation, at least, most of the time.
It’s crowded, though, and mostly busy with heavy traffic—the cons of being a famous tourist spot. But it’s relatively affordable, as healthcare and food are generally cheaper, albeit with high housing prices.
Parents won’t have problems with schooling, since there are two international schools in the city and more on the island.
Pro Tip:
Don’t expect a tourist island experience, should you decide to live here. Vacationing in a tropical destination is different from permanently living in one, so speak with locals and expats and ask about how daily life is.
Batu Ferringhi
Media credit: fendi.journal
Best For: Individuals, couples, and families who want a slower pace of life and live near the beach
Location
Batu Ferringhi is THE neighborhood in Malaysia for lovers of the sea. This beach resort is a paradise for individuals who want to enjoy a more peaceful life and escape the city life of Penang, while still being relatively close to George Town.
Renting or buying a house isn’t going to be cheap due to high demand and the attractive location, but you’ll find an array of developments here, such as condominiums and landed properties.
If you love waking up with the smell of the sea, then this is a solid place to live in! Plenty of schools are in the area as well, and you can taste local cuisine and enjoy outdoor activities.
Pro Tip:
Learn how to commute from Batu Ferringhi so you can get used to travelling to the city. Take the Rapid Bus to George Town because daily Grab rides will cost you more.
Johor Bahru
Bukit Indah
Media credit: seisia720
Best For: Individuals who work across the border seeking a more affordable place to live in
Location
The suburb of Bukit Indah in Johor Bahru serves up city life experiences without all the loud noise of a congested neighborhood. It doesn’t have loads of high-rise buildings, so living here radiates suburban charm without feeling like you’re cut off from the world.
Commuting isn’t an issue, since it connects to major highways. Don’t be surprised to see more Singaporean cars than Malaysian ones, since Singapore is basically right next door.
Some residents who work across the border will find this an attractive place because Bukit Indah is way more affordable than living in Singapore. You’ll also get to enjoy entertainment options without going downtown or beyond the border.
There’s a mix of landed homes and condominiums here that aren’t crazy expensive. When you’re out and about, the recreation park offers green spaces for outdoor activities, while the mall Aeon Bukit Indah provides all the essentials.
Pro Tip:
Traffic during rush hours can be bad, since there are many vehicles crossing the border. Consider this before choosing a place to stay—check which roads you’ll drive through more.
Taman Mount Austin
Media credit: mohibullahkhan76
Best For: Young professionals and tourists who enjoy leisurely activities, dining out, and a JB place close to major highways and the Singapore border.
The neighbourhood of Taman Mount Austin is quickly becoming a favourite amongst foreigners, particularly Singaporeans. It’s a short distance away from the border and a vibrant hub for dining and entertainment options, including loads of bubble tea shops!
It’s ideal for young couples seeking an active social scene, foodies who want to explore trendy cafes and restaurants, and digital nomads or young professionals who enjoy a modern lifestyle.
Families with young children will also find this appealing to live in, as there are plenty of private and international schools. Housing prices are decent, definitely cheaper than KL and Singapore, so expect to see expat communities.
Pro Tip:
Consider short-term rentals before finding a place to live in—there are many options for individuals, couples, and families. Check properties closest to your work or school because traffic gets bad.
Sabah
Kota Kinabalu
Media credit: kkcity
Best For: Digital nomads seeking a more laid-back atmosphere away from the loud noise of city life
Location
The capital of Sabah, Kota Kinabalu, is becoming more popular to tourists. Also called KK, this spot will take you far from the mainland, as it’s located on the northern part of Borneo.
It has the perfect mix of urban and nature living. If you’re moving from a city, you won’t miss many things, since residential areas and modern amenities are scattered about, but you’ll find that it offers a slower way of living.
Finding a school won’t be a problem for families, and young professionals won’t have to worry about slow internet. The Kota Kinabalu Airport is right in the city, which will easily get you to the mainland.
Pro Tip:
Make sure you have a job that allows you to work remotely. There aren’t a lot of work opportunities for expats here, which makes it more ideal for digital nomads.
Sarawak
Kuching
Media credit: hongwei83
Best For: Digital nomads seeking a city feel with a slower pace of living
Location
Kuching is another neighborhood in Malaysia that whisks you away from the bustling city life. While you can expect a slower pace, you can also experience a fast-moving life since it still has an urban feel—it is the most populous city in Sarawak, after all.
It’s mostly quiet, as there isn’t a bustling nightlife—that could be a con, depending on your lifestyle. There’s a lively mix of dining options, perfect for different cultures.
It’s also more affordable in terms of housing, transportation, food, and education. Your international school options are limited, though.
Pro Tip:
Learn how to drive in Kuching. Public transportation is decent, but not the most accessible because not all buses will take you to other parts of the city.